LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



V- 



DOMINIC YOU 




BYO N>OGDEN 

^1 



<Ij 6^U^_o (SMjlm--^^-^-^ 




1895: 

THIS PLAY WAS PRINTED BY 

E. P. BRANDAO, 

NO. 515 GRAVIER STREET. 



DEDICATED TO 

MRS MAY WILKINSON MOUNT, 

WITH APPRECIATION OF HER 

HIGH LITERARY CULTURE AND 

WITH SENTIMENTS OF 

SINCERE ADMIRATION AND RESPECT. 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE 



Dominic or Domi?iigue You, the principal actor in this drama, 
was a real personage in Louisiana history. A singular or 
mixture of criminal, romantic and heroic elements presents him 
as a highly picturesque figure. He was associated with Lafitte 
in the piracies of the Gulf about the close of the last century, 
and after a career stained with violence upon the high seas 
reformed his life 

With Lafitte and other associates in buccanneering he 
offered his services to Jackson and was enlisted in the American 
army in the Battle of New Orleans. He thereafter was 
pardoned by the Federal government and persevered in his 
reform until his death. 

The romantic episode which furnishes the plot of the drama's 
action was suggested by an adventure in his life supplied by 
legend and recorded by Hon. Chas. Gayarre in his delightful 
volume, entitled ^'Fernando DeLemos." 



Barataria, an island domain of the Gult of Mexico, was the 
seat of their adventurous exploits, and has recently been ren- 
dered even more tragically conspicuous by the fearful storm 
virhich overwhelmed the entire island cluster grouped under that 
liame. The nativity of Dominic You is invested with doubt, 
but the daring and desperate elements of the Barataria con- 
federation comprised representatives of many nations. 

Dominic is intered in a cemetery of this city and on his tomb 
appears a rather fulsome and bombastic epitaph attesting his 
heroic qualities. The further fact is interesting that at his 
death he was accorded a funeral with public honors. 

O. N. O 




■1/ 



DOMINIC YOU. 




ACT /. 
SCENE FIRST— Part of Barataria. 

(Enter Dominic Solus). 

ere Liberty, in this far sea-girt Isle, 
Is tiiy ideal home. Free as the wave. 
We scorn thetlimsy laws that shackle slaves, 
And when we swell our state as appetite 

impels. 
We do but follow nature's plain instruction. 
Men are but cannibals in their practice. 
Society is picture of the Greed, 

Showing the stronger swallowing up the weak. 

The pirate-clutch that seizes on the sea, 

A merchantman for prize, is merciful. 

To the reprisals which ambitious captains 

Take 'mid applause in their campaigns of conquest. 

We are not canting hypocrites, but fly 

Our bodeful ensign boldly lo the breeze. 

(Enter Manuel and Hitoncffo.) 

Ah! promptly come are these dark visaged tools! 

You're to the moment, my men, and now to business. 

Next to dispatch. Secrecy's the jewel. 

Shines most with lustre in our affairs. 



—14— 

Bagnctto — Be sure we're schooled in this. 

Dominic — Bear then the chest. 

And at the foot of yonder noble oak. 

Hide my treasure. (Exeunt. ) 

(Enter Lafitte and attendants.) 
Dominic — Ah! Lafitte. dressed as we are in wild barbaric pomp. 
Of this our Island empire, how would stare 
The wondering eyes of friends across the sea! 

Lafitte — Indeed, 'twould fill them with amaze. 
Who would believe that face so bronzed by sun, 
Was once the fairest of Castillian type? 

Dominic — Or that these limbs pranked in the pirate's garb, 
Shone costly habited in courts of fashion? 

Lafitte — Yet would I not exchange my vesture's freedom 
For all the showy splendor of the robe, 
Which once adorned these shoulders as a noble. 

Dominic — But does no sad repining ever damp 
Thy soul at thought of home? 

Lafitte — Never. Your choice of life was accident; 
With me: I'm in my native element. 
In which my restless soul with rapture dwells. 
A wayward freak has launched you forth to try 



._x5— 

Your pinions in romantic atmosphere. 
My -wings were formed by nature for this flight. 
And all the storms and perils of the sea, 
Are. fostering agents of vitality. 

Dominic — Is there in Spain not one magnetic glance 
That sometimes swerves the purpose of your life.'' 

Lafitte — I leave behind me nothing to regret; 
When tires my wing this haven is enough; 
Here in the shells that gem the silent beach, 
The shadows of these oaks, or roar of waves, 
The ever changing panoramic heavens — 
I find the only love my spirit craves; 
And on the wave when smoothed in glass, 
Or tossed to tumult by the blustering tempest, 
I feel in action truest exaltation. 

Dominic — Alas, I fear the blaze of hell itself 
Will not efface one torturing memory. 

Lafitte — Still harping, Dominic, upon that chord! 

This expedition will expel this fancy. 

When you've returned from scene of wreck and carnage 

You'll laugh a blackened bloody buchaneer, 

To think a woman's smile or tear could move. 

(Enter Sailor.) 



— 16— 

Sai/or — The crew is marshalled, sir, and await vour order. 

Dominic — Let them be marched hither to review. 

(Exit Sailor.) 

The brig has cleared the pass, and should be overhauled and 

plundered 'ere sunset. Alas, that helpless woman must perish. 

Lafitte — P'ie, fie. are jou turning babv at the prospect? What 
will vou do amid the music of lamentation and wailing.' Mag- 
nanimously sveaken? You know the stern and inflexible law 
we recognize. None are spared to betray. Death to the fairest 
captive or transportance here. We dare not loose the scandal- 
ous tongue of woman to ruin us with its tattle. 

Dominic — But here our goodly crew arrive. 

Lafttc — Tall, handsome fellows: there's not a mother's son 
of them but can in a minute massacre and rifle his foe. 

Dominic — They are indeed bold lads. 

(They pass ofcr the stage. ) 

Lafttc — Oh, the salt's in them yet! 

Dominic — Yes, with such crew I'll grapple the proudest Levi- 
athan of the sea. 

Lajittc — I'll to my quarters, and see you safely weigh your 
anchor. (Exit.) 

Dominic — All is prosperously pointing. 
I'm entered in a black and bloodv trade. 



— 17— 

And no faltering now. 

(Hears Sou^'' of Sailors.) 
Hark! the stirring music of the ocean song! 
It thrills, yet with pathetic tone it softens. 
Oh, how it wings the -spirit to the past! 
Upon its burden as on courser fleet, 
The eager soul is horsed — vaults over Ocean, 
And in an instant the dividing sea 
Is at our back. This Island realm's dissolved. 
And old familiar voice and feature greet us. 

{Voice heard, A Sail, A Sail.) 

Auspicious note that sounds, 

The doom of our rich prize. 

Now by grim Neptune, soon 'twill be our prey. 

{Enter Sailor.) 

Sailor.— A Sail! A Sail! stretched in full flight, due West? 
Dominic.— Go trumpet to our men, the call to arms. 

{Exit Sailor, cry i Jig a Sail.) 
Dominic—The cry has waked the vulture in my breast. 
Each freshening gale now wafts the scent of prey. 
And fiercely as the hawk upon his quarry, 
We'll swoop upon our prize. 



SCENE SECOND.— On board the Sea-gull. 
o 



Madame:- 




W 
^ 



{Ship''s Company of Ladies and Gentletnen.') 



h€ gallant Captain comes, his face a book, 
In which we read the fortune of our 
voyage. 

Major. — And better officer ne'er ruled a 
ship ; 

He's stern as Neptune in the hour of 

peril, 
But when the danger's past, he's mild 

as woman. 
Captain. — Good evening to you all! 



Madame. — Well, Captain, how proceeds our voyage? 

Captain. — With every good and smiling augury, 

We head direct to sea. A glorious gale 

Fills the ambitious mast stretched for our race. 

Ezilda. — Oh! the descent was noble down the stream. 

What weird fantastic realm was the dark swamp? 

Captain. — And did you note what marvels were the oaks 



— 19— 

That rose upon the bank in queenly group. 

They are the matchless live oaks ot this clime, 

Clothed in eternal verdure. 

Ezilda. — And with what gloom the giant cypress waved 

Its funeral mossy draperies. 'Twas dressed 

With dismal badges sad enough to mourn 

The fall of man. And yet amid such scene 

An orange grove did shed its subtle perfume 

And fruit in gold; and laughing fields of cane 

Broke into smiling harvests. 

Captain. — We now fly fleetly past the realm of Isles. 

Madame. — And is this region inhabited.'' 

Captain . — Yes, 

And peopled with a hardy race of freemen. 

There's scarce a beach in all the Island cluster, 

That dots the coast from Florida to the Gulf, 

But bears its busy teeming populace. 

They are a race of hardy fishermen. 

And live on the forage of the sea. 

{They -withdra-vj to rear of stage, as Odette atid Lieutenant 

come forivard.^ 



— 20 

Odette. — Oh! tut-tut, F.ieutenant, I dare saj 

Each voyage jou fill with such fair compliments, 

To snare some artless victim. Impossible. 

Not one day yet confirms acquaintance. 

Li'eiiteiianf. — Years could not seal it more. Passion in flash, 

Not in slow germination, springs to life. 

A pair of eyes to see the object present, 

A heart to feel — and rapturous Love's complete. 

Odette. — But how should you judge my inner character. 

Lieutenant. — 'Tis mirrored in thy feature. 

Odette. — How should you know my face is not a mask 

Hiding with seeming foible of the heart? 

Lieutenant. — How could an evil trait lodge in such place? 

Odette. — How, if you knew me, jealous, envious, mean? 

Lieutenant. — Rather expect to find a serpent brood, 

Nursed and warmed in downy breast of Dove. 

Odette. — Or should I prove flirt? 

Lieutenant. — Then let the bards unwrite Diana constant. 

Odette. — But I'm too free and light in disposition 

To be fettered by a lover. Love's a tyrant! 

Lieutenant. — He'd rule you from this breast a gentle monarch. 

Odette. — And I should flirt a little — just a little? 

Licutena7it. — So you love only me, flirt as you will. 




Odcftc — Oh! tut, tut. Lieutenant, I dare say 

Each voyage you fill with such compliments. 
To snare some artless victim. 



21 

Odette. — Now sure jou arc a kind and liberal lover. 

Lieutenant . — No thrall shall bind but that which love shall knit 

Odette — And not one beau am I to give up? 

Lieutenant — Not one. 

Odette — May walk with them all — ride with them all ? 

Lieutenant — Yes. Yes. 

Odette — And kiss them all ? 

Lieutenant — So T am first. 

Odette — Oh! I fear jou are too lenient a lover. 

You'd do to flirt with, not to love. 

Lieutenant — Why, how so .'' 

Odette — I will tell you, Listen! 

A maid would have her beau as pliable 

As wax — Her lover firm as marble. 

A beau she'd have a clever Jumping-Jack. 

Pulled by her whims, and dancing as she pipes. 

But when she thrones a lover in her heart 

She wants to feel that there's no kingly despot. 

More absolute in his realm. Love means surrender. 

Lieutenant — Oh! might I be the lucky conquerer. 
Odette — But just now at least I'll not capitulate. 

{^They rejoin the company .') 



2? 

{Enter Major sho^ving signs of sea-sickness.) 
CaJ>t(tin— Bear up, take heart. Before our journey's over, 
We'll make a sailor of you. 

Major — Zounds, feed me to the sharks! I'd rather 
Be ground to death in their maws, 
Than be tortured by this retching. 
Captain— '^o, we'll reserve you for the pirates. 

{A buzz is produced., all exclaim^ pirates'.) 

Ezilda — Merciful Heavens! does our course tend 

Where these Ocean robbers range! 

Captain — I am unlucky to chase your spirits away. 

But since I have so stumbled in discretion 

I'll frankly now avow, our only peril. 

Odette — Yes, it is just as I feared, I never should have dared to 
venture on the sea. I have insanely opposed all the cau- 
tions of superstitious friends; the warnings of dreams, and 
now am face-to-face with the very danger I have the most 
dreaded — the awful fate of falling into the hands of these 
savage corsairs. Oh! Oh! Oh! I shall never be atease a 
moment until I'm on the secure land which I shall never 
again leave. 

Ezilda — Why Odette, this is the climax of absurdity. 



Odette — Absurdity, inaeed! why I see the whole horrid catas- 
rophe vividly bef jre me. Our vessel run down, the merci- 
less men on board with great black beards and gleaming 
kniveSi Our defenders all butchered, and we poor creatures 
destroyed or carried off into shamHess captivity, Oh-Oh-Oh. 
{She faints and is carried of.) 

Madame — Was ever anything so ludicrous? 

Captain — I have grossly erred, to so alarm her. 

Madame — Not so. 'Tis silly weakness of the sex, 

T'will soon be over and she'll laugh the loudest 

At her own folly. 

Tell us of these pirates. 

Captain — Well first, warned by the recent scene, I'll say 

Our vessel's fleet and tho' a merchantman 

Is well equipped and manned, with resolute crew. 

But it is true. A fierce and daring band 

Infest this coast. Some twenty leagues due West 

These grim marauders of the Southern sea. 

Are sheltered in their savage sea-girt Isle. 

{Excitement). 

Madame — Stay, hear the Captain! There are then pirates ? 

Captain — There are. And many a rich and costly spoil 

Has served to swell their lordly opulence. 

Ezilda — :And is aught known of their dark history? 



34 

Captain — The tragic chapters of their lives are writ 

In rapine and in murder on the sea 

Their realm is ruled bj the rNuperior spirit 

Of two known far and wide by names of terror, 

Lafitte and Dominic You. Names that are thought 

To be but masks of their identity. 

Madame — And what race can furnish these dread scourges. 

Captain — By all accounts the lineage of the latter 

Is Spanish. And his high and courtly port 

Denotes a birth in noble rank 

Ezilda — Indeed ! 

Captaiti — Now rumor claims that he is noble born, 

And this same idle gossip e'en pretends 

That Dominic here waving bloody sceptre 

Is Count Amadi", who once, crossed in love, 

Mysteriously quit his Spanish Villa, 

And in his roll now lives incognito. 

(Ezilda skoTvs great ?ierx'0/tsnpss.) 

But strike up inusicians. Let your 
Strains dispell all heaviness, and make 
Way to mirth and gladness. Your hand, 
Fair madame for the quadrille. 

Entey guests and quadrille arranged. 

(Entet Officer.) 




Captain — Count Amadis who once crossed in love 
Myteriouslj quit his Spanish villa 
And in tliis role now lives incognito. 



25 

Captain — How goes it, officer above? 
Officer — The faint speck of a sail 

Has been discried, and soon we'll 

Signal the passing craft. 

( The dance proceeds.^ 
(^Enfer officer a^ain.) 

Officer- Our ocean acquaintance looms 
Into proportions of a sightly brig. 
Captain — Prepare to hail, and when in 
Trumpet shot, inquire whence and 
Where she's bound. 

( TAey dance. ) 

(^Entcr Boatstvaiji.') 

Boatsivain — Excuse me, sir, the glass has scanned upon the 

stranger ship, the black flag of the pirates. 
Captain — To deck at once! 
Major — Be calm, ladies; I'll look the matter up. 

{Exit.) 
Odette — Something surely is wrong. Oh, I'm just sure we've 
struck a rock! 

(^Ezilda skotvs si^ns of great agitation .') 
Madame — Why, shame upon my protege. Such weakness is 
unbecoming wife of valiant noble. 



26 

Ezilda— You do me wrong, my friend, in your surmise. 

Believe me, 'twas not peril of the sea, 

Or fear of pirates that unnerved my mood. 

My soul is startled by most horrid thoughts. 

A/(/da me— Give me thy confidence. 

Ez/7da—The story of these grim and ruthless corsairs seemed 

to confirm the rumor extant in Spain, that Count Amadis 

had leagued with these pirates. 
A/adame— Fray, why should this so discompose your mind? 
Ezi/da— Hear me, and then you'll surely comprehend. 
How with suggestions blacker than of death 
A terrible imagining seized my fancy. 
This Count Amndis was rejected suitor 
'Jo my hand. Youth, rank and wealth, accomplishment 
Of mind and person made him proud and vain. 
Madame — Ah! now, indeed, we're promised a romance. 
Ezilda — To his wild ardor and impetuous wooing 
My flattered heart was not averse. But circumstance, 
A better judgment and my guardian's will, 
Induced me to deny his importunate suit. 
And yield myself where I am loyally wed. 
And constant heaven bears witness that my heart 
Was chastely and sincerely then bestowed. 



27 



With bitter tears I've testified remorse 

That ever in the lighter veins of girlhood 

Mj smile did ever the young Count mislead. 

Madame — And shall it now find tragic sequel here? 

Ezilda—hh, 'twas the thought of such dread consequence 

That has so stirred me from tranquility. 

Madame — What further of this wild and brain-sick loverr 

Ezilda — 'Tis said that when he heard my marriage 

Was solemnized, his gay mercurial manner 

Changed to a sombre mood. His former spirit 

Darkened to morose and gloomy temperament, 

Till finally withdrawing from the world. 

Lost to his friends, in mystery he shut 

His life. 

Madame — But could no clew be found to trace him out.'' 

Ezilda — 'Twas vaguely rumored, that in his despair 

He had embarked in some wild expedition. 

Madame — Why, this is strange, indeed. 

Ezilda — Oh, my dear friend, you can but faintly dream 

What an appalling horror smote my ear 

When Amadis' name was mentioned. Imagination 

Flashed out his figure in the pirate's garb. 

Revenge and lust burning with rival fires. 



In his fierce glance beholding me his spoil. 
Spurning my marriage vows, his lawless will 
Enforcing me a captive to his Isle. 
Oh, what would terrible reality be, 
If fancy may project it in such colors. 

(From above t/iey hear the loud-riugi)ig- order to sfeer about.) 
Major — Why, this betokens danger! 

(Re-enter Captain .) 
An—0\\, Captain! Captain! 

Captain — Compose yourselves, my friends, and let each man 
Now nerve himself to show heroic mettle. 
Madame — Oh, what can this strange language now portend? 
Major — It means that pirates pursue. 

- ( Con stent at ion . ) 

Captain — Silence. Our glass discovers the pirate's emblem on 
the ship we hailed. The Sea Gull's put about, and now 
the race will be for port. Ye men look to these ladies. Till 
we've anchored out of reach of danger I must be hence: 
but if befall disaster, your Captain shall dispute with sword 
each inch the threatening foe invades. 

(Exit Captain.) 

(Stampede and xi'itd excitement.) 

(The first stiot is heard.) 




Dinuiiii, — Desist, vou do-'.' I claim h 



er as mj spoil I 



Madame — Oh, we are lost! 

Ezilda — Death or infamy's our lot. 

(^Renezved cannonade) 

Major — Thej are grappling with us and the clash of arms re- 
sounds above. 

(Re-enter Captain') 

Captain — Here I make the last and desperate rally. 

If blows should ever deal out death, 

They should be those hit in the line of duty. 

Oh, might this arm be lined with brawn of steel, 

That it might ward this danger from you all. 

(^Pirates rusk in and dreadful en- 
counter ensues. One of them is in 
the act of killing Ezilda., -when 
Dominic leaps bettveen them and 
strikes the -weapon from her as- 
sailants hand.') 

Dominic — Desist, you dog, I claim her as my spoil. 

Let her be borne in safety to her berth. 

And if she's injured but with glance of insult 

Your carcass shall be chopped to feed the sharks. 

{Curtain falls.) 



30 



A CT II. 

ON BOARD SEA-GULL— Now ix Possession of the 
Pirates. 

Midshipman — Well, boj&, it was a bloody business, but a glori- 
ous prize. 

Beppo — Our little bark's a dandy on the sta. Why she slid 
across the waves as if her keel were oiled. 

Midshipman — And you nervy fellows outdid yourselves? 
Beppo — But I say, Quedrado, the old American chap — the Cap- 
tain — was a game sea-dog, Eh! 
Quedrado — Yes. This lonely ear mourning its absent fellow 

clipped at one sword smack will avouch it. 

Beppo — And there was another fearless son of Mars, rigged in 
his showy regimentals, with star of Major's rank gleaming 
in epaulet. 

^nedtado — But all his valor could not withstand the thorny 
hedge of steel that circled him. 

Beppo — Yes, he fell before the crouching, fainting woman he 
did defend like a battered tower that grandly bears the 
storm of battle. 



31 

^uedrado — And was ever there such death as of the shrinking 
girl he did defend? I was on the flank of your attack, and 
moved toward her with my thirsty blade. Her streaming 
raven hair fell in a flood ot jet over her alabaster bosom, 
heaving with billowy whiteness. She was dumb. But terror 
that swept her face with ghostly hand did not beggar the 
Wc-ahh of her carnaticm lips. Her eyes unclosed a moment 
and their beseeching look seemed to drain the whole of 
pathos from her being. But when I clasped her flying locks 
and twisted them to black coil in my hand, she quivered 
as if her frame were aspen. And as I raised my blade to 
strike, wonderful — wonderful, with one exhausting sigh she 
breathed out her life, and fell limp and dead from my re- 
laxing hand. 

Beppo — And the business would have been despatched the 
quicker had not Dominic so strangely interposed to save his 
captive. 

Midshipman — Strange action, that. 

Beppo — I've followed him in many a perilous conflict. 

Have watched him 

Oft amid the scene of carnage, 

Unmoved by massacre, would move a stone. 

His stern mien never altered by a shade 



32 

But seemed to gaze on butchery with relish. 

The prayer clasped hand of infant moved him not, 

Nor frenzied wail of women delayed the slaughter. 

Even girlish beauty that would soften anchorite 

Beamed powerless on him as Winter sun, 

On frozen summit of the icy Alps. 

One moment more and th's keen edge had fallen. 

And this Spanish witch had forever closed 

Those eyes that so affect our Admiral. 

My scimitar was flashed; when like a bolt 

His ringing blazing blade was thrust between. 

And never did the thunder of his voice 

Peal out as then it did in ordering me 

To sheathe my hungry weapon. 

Midshipman — Maybe she flashed a subtle glance of love. 

But impossible. I know somewhat of 

Dominic's past life. He's bucklered with disdain. 

Beppo — Yet why this partial reprieve to the beautiful captive.'' 

He should declare his purpose. Surely he would not dream of 
releasing her. 

Midshipman — We'll hear his reasons. But our stern service 
would not permit her release. Here comes our admiral, 
we'll hear his reasons I {Enter Domifiic), 



33 
^ledrado — We salute our admiral ! 

Dominic — Good day, and congratulations to my valiant lads. 
I hope the crew are satisfied with the division. 

Midshipman^BQ sure of that. They even think your generous 
hand has not reserved the proper share for yourself. 

Dominic — No more of that. Their despatch and valor are not 
enough rewarded. And willingly I'd yield more of my 
portion to keep contented spirits in their breasts. 

Beppo — I speak for them, and say the> would not see your 
spoil diminished a whit. But loyalty, sir, impels me to 
touch upon a delicate matter. 

Dominic — Why, speak it out, faithful Beppo ! 

Let mutual confidence prevail and we flourish in our enter- 
prise. I hate this muttering plotting discontent that will 
not out, but broods and broods, till hatching ruin to us all. 

Beppo — 'Tis this. The crew marvel that you still entertain the 
Spanish captive. I tread a delicate ground, but you em- 
bolden me to proceed. They reason that the laws and prac- 
tice of the trade we ply forbids the course you are pursu- 
ing. 

Dominic — Oh I see, I see. Proceed and let me know all. 



34 

Beppo — Their very lives at stake, they refuse to take a risk and 
wonder much what motive moves you to depart from the 
sacred rules of our desperate and dangerous confederation. 

Dominic — Why, these distrustful lads shall be quieted! I thank 

you that you've broache.1 the subject for it shall be cleared. 

Say to them, in this captive I hope to have found the clew 

that shall lead us to a noble enterprise. Yes, that shall un- 
lock to us a vault of riches. 

Beppo — I felt some motive looking to our interests impelled 

you. 

Doimiiic — I recognize in our captive the wife of the Spanish 
Legate, and from ner lips bribed with life to speak, or 
terrified to the disclosure, I'll learn in what vessel convey- 
ed a heavy shipment of coin will shortly be made. This se- 
cret probed — we have a mint of treasure in our pros- 
pect. 

J^uedrado — Why this is a master stroke of discretion! 

Beppo — It will silence clamor, or rather change it to wild ac- 
claim. 



..J hi, h 




Dominic — Why, these distressful lads shall be quieted. 



35 

Dommic — Surely, Beppo, the lads do not doubt me. But now, 
my friends, withdraw and leave me to the interview which 
will bring these ma'ters to light Go, Beppo, and convey 
the lady hither and I enjoin you conduct her with all re- 
spect. 

{^Exit Beppo.') 
Dominic — This breast that oft has borne the brunt of conflict 
And temperate swelled when crashing timbers shook. 
Now flinches like a nervous awkward boy. 
My soul stirred by some high and lofty impulse 
Seems swelling to a grand emergency. 
B y the strange accident I have encountered 
I feel as raised upon a theatre, 
Vast as the circumfluent sea we ride, 
And that my action with the graphic pens 
Immortals write with shall be traced eternal. 
All the frozen currents of my youth, 
Checked and shut into sluggish stagnant pool, 
Have burst restraint, and leaping in their rush 
Suffuse my being with their wonted floods. 
One grateful smile that beamed upon my heart 
Has disenchanted it. The hideous monsters 



36 

O'ermastering it for years have skulking vanished 

And all the tender, nobler trai's of manhood 

Assume their lost empire in my nature. 

Oh welcome! welcome! sweet return of life! 

The mortal numbness touched with vital power 

Is quickened again to sensibility. 

And soft transmuting Love holds his dominion. 

But how avoid the Scylla and Charybdis, 

Thro' which to steer a passage? If she yield, 

How quell a mutinous crew and make escape? 

If she deny, how rescue her dear life. 

That now is forfeit to the Pirate's law. 

In either event a stern and furious crew 

In mutiny risen, must be overcome — 

But Love is henceforth Captain of my Soul — 

She should be here even now. 

{Retires.^ 

{Enter Ezilds..) 

Beppo — Our Admiral will soon be here. Be seated! 

{Exit,) 
Ezilda — Oh, what perversion 'tis of Nature's order 

When gentle courtesy can more alarm, 



37 

Tlian voice of entei ce that decrees to death. 

When in the act of clemency a shame 

Seems to abide like serpent wreathed in flowers. 

Oh, our weak sex have not to dread the strength 

And fury of the pitiless brutal hand! 

Our danger is when sin with soothing speech 

As shining Lucifer wins his approach 

Oh, gratitudel Gem in the crown of Virtues! 

Yet beware my heart, lest subtle powerof Evil 

Take this adorning attribute of soul 

To snare you by. 

My soul seems drifting on uncertain floods. 

Whither T know not But let Charon rather 

Grim pilot of the dark Lethean stream 

Steer me beyond, than guilt besmirch my honor. 

{Re-enter Dominic.') 
Dominic — Dear lady, can you not discard your mourning 
And now unmask your loveliness to smiles. 
Ezilda — Oh sir! these shadows will not be dispelled 
'Twere kindness to have left me to my fate. 
Dominic — My lovely captive has her captor captive. 
Think ne'er again upon the terror past. 



38 

See in my visage never more the aspect 

Fiercely cruel in the trade of war 

But only know it as it bends in love 

To nourish on thy condescending glance. 

Ezilda — Oh could you, who as Savior lately spared 

My worthless life, assault my precious honor? 

You have protested in the innocent past 

That you did honorably love. 

Dominic— 'Tis true 

But I do passionately love also. 

I love to madness. I restrained my passion 

Which couched with tiger-strength within my heart. 

The surging current of its wild despair, 

Was loosed upon the world. This accident 

Reverses to its former wonted channels. 

The impetuous ardor of my heart. 

Ezilda — Oh spare, 

My weakness lost unless your honor defend. 

Domifiic — Believe, Ezilda, not a Lok of rudeness 

Shall e'er with insult threaten. Safe as in bower 

Where once I warmly sighed my tender vows, 

Courtly respect shall only seek approach. 



39 

No rash unmanly force constrains thy liberty. 

But fate seems by this stroke of chance to cast 

A spoil within my reach to be enjo\ed. 

Ezilda — Oh wretched fate that dooms me to despair, 

Dominic — Nay! not to despair, but rather to devotion 

Those lips once uttered softly in my ear, 

Vows of eternal love. 

Ezilda — But I recanted. 

And at the altar vowed to love another. 

That sacred pledge is dear to me as life 

And must prevail as long. 

Dominic — That life is forfeited. 

If you survive, it is by sufferance. 

The world that hears of this calamity 

Befallen your vessel counts you with the dead. 

You are revived to bless me with your love. 

Ezilda — Impossible. 

Dominic — Born like another Venus 

With radiant beauty from the ocean foam 

Identity is lost; and as my bride 

You'll follow me to some secluded shore 

Where love shall weave a new existence for us. 



40 

I will forswear this brutal life and cancel 

Its shame with high and virtuous endeavor. 

Ezilda—Oh. reform your life! but never seek to swerve 

Mj heart from pure allegiance. How can Sin 

In atmosphere of such etliereal sweetness 

Stain hoi J thoughts? A light and filmy skj 

Scarce veils your actions to the holy angels, 

And glassing waves are with their mirrors ready 

To show your deeds to Heaven. The very air 

Un«oiled by earth should nourish a chaste soul. 

Dominic — Call it not sin to love as I love you. 

Ezilda — But my faith pledged in marriage, it is sin 

To tempt my loyalty. Oh, be yourself 

A^; once your true chivalric nature shone 

With all the graces of a Knightly Noble. 

Dominic — I cannot be myself without your love; 

Either with sanctifying spell it reigns, 

Or Demon usurps. 

By the dread logic of the situation, 

You must be mine or Death's. I could not -stay 

The stjrn decree that gives you to ti»e waves, 

Unless I hold you on our Island fortress. 



41 

Ezilda — Oh kind Heaven! 

And must I find from chill devouring wave 

Escape but in dishonor. 

Dominic — This relation 

Unsanctioned by the law will yet be holy 

As e'er was legal knot at marriage altar. 

Oh, yield to the alternative of Life and Love. 

Ezilda — Misname not life, the death I should endure 

Tortured before the judgment by remorse. 

Stranded in ruin on a lonely isle. 

Dominic — Not so. — Guarded, o'erwatched and loved by me. 

Ezilda —My marriage vows still like accusing demons 

Hissing reproaches in my shrinking ear. 

About my restless couch to see in dreams 

The avenging form of husband hovering; 

And wake each morn to shame. To pass the day 

Haunted with memory of my lost Estate 

And wandering o'er your isle, — a pirate's mistress. 

Terrified at sight of bloody men, 

Drowning remorses in blasphemous carousal. 

Oh, welcome rather the tempestuous bed 

The ocean would afford. 



42 

Dominic — But hear, Ezilda! 

I swear bv the returned honor that sways, 

With its ascendant sceptre in my nature. 

That princely castle will not guard a Queen 

More tenderly and lovingly detained, 

Than my domain shall loyally receive you. 

Ezilda — And could you, sir, consign me to this shame? 

Dominic — Here I swear 'ere bids th; hastening Spring 

I will renounce forever this rude life. 

And bear you to a tropic island home, 

Sequestered on the line of Cuba's shore. 

And there lost to the past ideal life 

As in translated being, shall charm away 

All dark ?nd bitter memories. 

Ezilda Yet even splendor would but gild a crime. 

Dominic — My wealth 

Will rear amid some fragrant orange grove 
A shelter where the kissing waves shall lull 
With constant music of the Gulf. 

Ezilda— Wi, no! Even lightest Zephyr there would startle 
conscience. 



43 
Dominic — Our Youth 

Cropped of the bitter growth shall flower again, 
And fruit with perfect Joy. The savage manners 
Which now disgrace me in the pirate's role 
Shall be discarded and your constant lover 
Will ever like a Knight attend with courtesy. 
Oh, yield thy heart, and close not the fair portal 
That opens on such Paradise of love. 

Ezilda — Oh! you but wrong me more with subtle speech 
That tempts me to disgrace. Yet could a Power 
Wield witchery that could my mind seduce 
You were that strong Magician. But Virtue 
Seems graciouslj to sentinel my heart. 
And tho' temptation used arch-angel voice 
It would as fearful note pierce with alarm. 
Oh blessed, high sustaining angel powers 
Keep firm my constant heart. 
Dominic — Enough! Enough! 
The tender melting skies have heard thy prayer. 
And my seducing spirit's rebuked. Sovereignty 
Shines on thy heaven-crowned brow a coronet. 
This realm you rule. That frail and lily hand 
Commands the helm that steers this craft of war. 



44 

Back to Port in safety it shall bear you. 

And let the awful ledger of mj life, 

Show to Eternity one shining page. 

You have invoked upon this crime-stained deck, 

The holy presence of the potent sky. 

And the lofty prompting shall be followed, 

Tho' the racked ship shall roar with mutiny. 

Ezilda — All thy noble manhood now rings out 

And echoes with applause of Heaven. 

But your crew? 

Dominic — Why let the dogs rebel. 

Who seeks to stay my arm now stretched to save 

Opposes the commission of the sky. 

Ezilda — Should they withstand you.? 

Dominic — This flaming scimitar shall carve a passage 

To place you safe ashore, tho' hell oppose. 

Ezilda — Oh, pure and saintly eyes that now behold 

You'll not misjudge the motive when I yoke 

With chaste embrace this instrument of mercj. 

{She embraces Dominic, -who draiving aivay, holds 
her hands atid tenderly gazes into her eyes.) 

Dominic — Oh, agencies of good, redouble now 



45 

Thy vigilant watch lest I repent. These arms 

Seem circling me to aromatic bath 

From which the softened spirit will not withdraw 

This jettj tress nets me in silky mesh. 

The violet light of tear suffused eye 

Bathes with a flood of Ecstasy, 

The effeminate spirit, and those melting lips 

Run nectar. (^Embracing her again.) 

Ezilda — Oh forbear! Yet how deny thee aught. 
Dominic — Once more! again! and now a last adieu 
To paradise of Love this side of Heaven. 
Again my soul is steadied to her purpose 

And as the ancients quaffed to Liberty 
'Ere they assayed the fortune of the conflict, 
I've drunk in nectar of thy lips a draught 
That's pledged to life and honor. Now to rest. 
And may thy pillow know its peaceful slumber. 
Ezilda — Yet 'ere I woo the drowsy balm of sleep. 
These knees shall bend in thankful prayer to Heaven. 
Nor shall importunate petition cease, 
'Till richest blessing on thy spirit falls. 



46 

Dominic — Adieu, Adieu! the clinging memorv 
O'erpowers with subtle breathing of the bliss. 



{Ske retires and he foilozvs her. as 

she leaves ~:ifh eager yearjiin^ look^ 
(Cvirtain falls.) 




47 

ACT III. 
Part of Ship. 

( Midshipman ., Beppo and others.) 

Midshipman — Well Beppo. what think jou of this new freak? 

Beppo — I think our admiral is either lecherous or mad. 

Midshipman — Probably both. 

Beppo — The truth is the Spanish witch has a most ravishing 
beauty . 

Salvadore — She seems to have wrought Dominic's visage to a 
new countenance. 

Beppo — But why do we still cruise in these parts? We 
should 'ere this be disembarked and revelling on the island. 

Salz'udore — My arithmetic sums things thus — The strangely, 
winning beauty of the wench has melted the iron in the 
make of Dominic. Unable to coax the flirt to be his mis- 
tress, he weakly plans how he may preserve her. 

Midshipman — Bold scheme that. Sure he does not think we 
would turn loose this tell tale woman. 

Beppo — Yet his strange manouvres warrant the suspicion. 

Midshipman — I notice as index to such treacherous design that 
a deep unwonted abstraction has seized the Admiral — and 
the fair captive seems to recover her spirit. 



48 

Bcppo — Why hovering here, we may each mcment expect to 
hi^ve order of a new tack that shall head us direct to the 
mouth of the river. 

Midsliipmaii — Should such command be given we'll mutter and 
probe the matter. {E?iier Boatswain) 

^^«/5Tt'«/V/— The Admiral directs you head the ship for the 
South Pass, 

Midslnpma7i — The hell you say! And does he expect us to 
obey if he demand we ram her nose on rock? 

Beppo — Next, he vvill order us to anchor under the guns of the 
Fort. 

Midskipinan — Yes — or lash to some innocent man-of-war loaf- 
ing about the Pass. 

Beppo — Well, my voice is now for investigation. 

Midshipman — What, do we drift to mutiny? 

Bippo — Mutiny, indeed! Are we to blindly rush on to ruin? 

Salvadore — By no means. I don't propose to give my carcass 
to the sea gulls. We've got no business in these danger- 
ous waters. We are hunting sea birds, but not the armored 
hawks of the Passes. 



49 

iicpfo — Well, I'm a common pirate, but I can tollow out a 
sequence an inch or two. Now my method takes me to 
this conclusion. Dominic has fallen under the spell of the 
Spanish witch and inlends to land lier. 

Salvudorc — Zoundsl We'll not submit. We would ^11 be run 
down and scalped in a month. M yvoice is for inves'igation. 

Bcppo — 'Ihen head our committee as spokesman, and search 
the matter out. Are we agreed? 

\'oiccs: We are! We are! 
(^AU go out but Bcppo iuid Salvadorc.) 

Bcppo — Now Sal\ adore — you're clothed with high commission 

Discharge it shrewdly. Let not awe of rank 

Abash you in arraignment of the Admiral. 

■Sct/vddore — I'll be direct and blunt, nor let him palter. 

Beppo —I do note of late much of airishness 

That not consists with the equality ' 

That's bond of our union. Such temper grows 

And saucy arrogance disdains its fruit. 

It should be looked to, 'ere it crops too boldly. 

Salvadore — Yes, such a vice in his virtue should be weeded 

For his high qualities we cannot question. 

Bcppo — Yet is he such a paragon that insolence must be sup- 
ported.^ 



50 

Sulvadore — Never! Rebellion rather. 

Beppo — Whj we've the metal aboard rings clear as his 

And would shine as bright Command in jou or me 

Would as becominsjly adorn. This hint, 

Wise Salvadore, then ponder as you note 

Our supercilious chief bear your reproof. 

(^Exeunt. ) 

SCENE SECOND— On Deck. 

(^Dominic and JSoatstvuin.) 
Dominic — Boatswain, what means this lagging obedience? 
Delivered you my command? 
Boatszvain — I did, sir. 

Dominic — The tack's unchanged. Now go again 
And see that it's obeyed. 

i^Exit Boats-cvain.) 
I do remember on the Caminada 
There dwells a fisherman. His door with welcome 
Opens alike to every weary guest. 
He is a quaint and ancient hermit — 
Not such as stung by pain or driven by passion 
In gloomy silence mope as misanthropes. 
But as philosopher he's built his nest 




Dominic — I do reineinher on the Caminada 

Taere dwells a fisherman. Mis door with welcome 
Of ens alike to es^ery wearj guest. 



SI 

In vast and glorious ocean solitude; 
And in content he's richer on his Isle, 
Housed in his rude and shell-roofed tenement, 
Than we in pompous state at Barataria 
Shining with >poil imperial throne would envy. 
I will commit to him my trembling charge 
And gold will buy him to transport her thence 
Back to her friends. But growing signs 
Expressed in clouding brows betoken evil. 
I fear some timid minds see in this measure 
A peril to their safety. A sullen spirit 
May stir them to resist. But, by high Heaven, 
Embarked in thhs good project I'll not falter! 

( Enter Boatsxvain . ) 
BoatsxvaUi — Sir! I have again conveyed your order 
But they reply— the matter will be answered. 
Dominic — Knave! I will not so be answered. Go again 
And tell the pilot under pain of irons 
To change the tack as I direct. Villains! 
And do they hold me but a shallow weakling, 

To be resisted in authority? 

(Enter- Sailors.) 

Sah'odore — We come in all due reverence to ask, — 



5 2 

Doniiuic — What captiousness is this? 

'i'hat sei^ks to challenge and o'er rule ni}- orders. 

Sdlx'adore — Your crew is loyal, sir, but your last order gives 
them much concernment. They fear lest some caprice has 
seized 3'our judgment, that you could hurry us to certain 
ruin. 

Dominic — I am the judge, sir, of the course we steer. 

Salz'adorc — They would know why still j'ou linger here 

y\nd now would even head to hostile shore. 

Dominic — Aboard this vessel, but one spirit rules 

And that sways in this breast. My purposes 

You dare not question. But to boldly meet 

This saucy threatening with a free disclosure — 

Know that I am resolved to disembark 

Our Spanish captive at the Caminada. 

Mids^hipmaii — Good sir, this is what the men were fearing. 

Sah'adore — And that is what the men will not permit. 

Dominic — And dare you, sir, to hold svich rash discourse? 

Salvadore — Aye and maintain it, sir, Am I not right? 

Sailors — You are. You are. 

Dominic — Why this is mutiny. You wretch, to irons! 

Seize, j>3oatsvvain, this bold caitiff bastard rebel 



53 

And iron him below. What ? Do you pause! 

Here's that shall move you. (draws), 

Salvadore — Hold Dominic! 

The temper of your men will not endure it. 

Dominic — What! braved by my own crew! Sheathe straight 

your sword 
Or mine shall fly to instant execution. 
Salvadore — This braggart spirit not alarms a crew 
Who know the laws and customs of our realm 
And shall maintain them. 

Dominic — Once more I order you hence to your posts. 
Salvadore — We'll not budge hence — 'till we are satisfied. 
Your captive must be held upon the Isle, 
Or perish in the sea. You shall not land her 
To loose upon our wake pursuing foes. 
Dominic — You sulky sea-dog, leader in this treason 
Let this rebuke your insolence, — and this 

(^Strikes him — duel ensues aftd a conflict i?t 
wliick a 7inmber go against Domiiiic 
They press him on all sides.) 
Dominic — What! are ye traitors all? Miscreant gang! 
Try one by one my mettle and I'll feed 



54 

The hungry sharks with vanquished traitors, 
Salvadore — Ah! that will crop his pride. 
Dotninic — T'will crop my life, 
But, my unconquered spirit spurns you still. 

Oh ye fice that have o'er powered with number! 

(^Entcr EzUdd) 
Ezilda — Alas! Alas ! lost yourself in saving me! 
Dominic — Oh, take not the reproach upon thyself. 
I' d pay to death my life a thousand times. 
My chief regret is in the awful thought 
Of the disaster that may fall on thee. 
Ezilda — Think not of me. Soon on the silent journey 
I'll join you, and will plead before high Heaven 
The merit of your act, till angels weep. 

Dominic — Bend now! Let the last sound breathed in my ear 
Be thy soft benison. Let thy pure kiss 
Warm with their final heat/my pallid lips 
And let the last sweet ray of earthly light 
Beam on my dying vision from thine eyes. 
And I will die in peace. 

Ezilda — The sequel now must follow to your crime. 
And here's the victim ready for the altar. 
I beg one mercy only at your hands (^The crezv murmur,') 



55 

Bt'ppo — This bloody business has befallen thro' vou. 

And vainly you will sue for clemency. 

Salvadore — She has bewitched the ship and she must die. 

To delay will only add calamity. 

Ezilda — Stay! I do not ask for life. Merciful Heaven 

T'would be but living death to pass one day 

Within this stained and blood-polluted cabin. 

I only crave, a poor defenseless woman 

That no rude hand butcher my weak frame 

And that you give me leave to end my life 

By plunging in the dark and silent sea 

Which offers me a grave. 

.4//— We will! We will! 

Beppo- Why this as men we willingly accord. 

Ezilda — Kindly prepare the hatchway then for exit. 

{The hatchivay is opened ■which shoti's the 
blue Gulf and the setting sun . 
Ezilda — First as last office of my gratitude 
Let me with tenderness pall this brave man. 

{She places her cloak upon Dominic and 
then advances to the hatchivay, °^^ and 
turns to the crew. 



56 

Adieu, ye poor unhappy wrecks of men. 
Your crimes do but release us to our home 
They load you down with weight. 
How dies the sun 

Making at death his most glorious pageant! 
And shall immortals with illumined vision 
Expanding to felicities beyqnd 
Not give to earth reflection of the glory. 
How blue and soft my ocean couch is spread. 
An angel hand will dig in crystal wave 
A shining hollow for my burial. 
And tender vesper breeze will sigh in hymn 
A funeral requiem for my soul. 
Just one bright light is kindled in the gloaming 
And like the mystic star of Bethlehem 
Shall guide me to my King. Adieu to earth. 
[curtain falls.] 



^^^^^'^^r^'^^ 




Ezilda — Adieu ye poor unhappy wrecks of men. 



